Japanese word

器官

Pronunciation

Romajikikan

Meaning

  • nounorgan

Example

動物の器官はそれぞれ異なる働きをします。dō butsu no ki kan wa so re zo re koto na ru hatara ki o shi ma su

Each organ in an animal has a different function.

Illustration for 器官 (organ)

More examples

この器官は外部からの刺激を受け取ります。ko no ki kan wa gai bu ka ra no shi geki o u ke to ri ma su

This organ receives stimuli from outside the body.

Core concept

A distinct part of a living body carries out a specific function as part of the whole.

Common phrases

  • 器官の働きki kan no hatara ki

    organ function

  • 器官を保護するki kan o ho go su ru

    protect an organ

  • 器官を摘出するki kan o teki shutsu su ru

    remove an organ

Similar words

臓器zōki: An internal body part that performs a particular function, especially in an animal.
内臓naizō: An organ located inside the body, especially in the chest or abdomen.

Definition in Japanese

生物の体を構成し、特定の働きを受け持つ部分。sei butsu no karada o kō sei shi toku tei no hatara ki o u ke mo tsu bu bun

Word origin

器官 (kikan) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 器 (ki, "vessel; instrument") and 官 (kan, "official; office"), linking a functional instrument with an assigned role.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 器官 (kikan) specifically means a biological organ, while English organ also refers to a musical instrument and an institution.

Word lists with this word